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Introduction

Let’s face it – beef jerky is AMAZING. I want you to imagine the taste of the most delicious beef jerky you’ve ever had right now: the delectable flavors and spices mixing with the mouth-watering effect it has on you. And then you tear through it, not caring if it gets stuck in your teeth because it’s that good.

Beef jerky truly is the perfect low-carb, high protein, healthy snack – giving you instant calories and energy whether you are on the go, you need a morning jumpstart, or just a way to top off a meal – you really can’t go wrong with jerky.

What Is A Jerky?

A jerky is nothing more than dehydrated meat which has had the fat trimmed and subsequently been sliced into smaller strips. Cut from the lean hindquarters of the cow, beef jerky is first sliced into smaller pieces which are optimized for maximum flavor. While some companies marinate prior to slicing, most marinate after. This process is done to further tenderize the meat and give it flavor.

After the meat has marinated for 24 hours or more, it is smoked by burning water-soaked hardwood chips at low temperatures to both cook the meat as well as provide flavor. The type of wood varies depending on the desired flavor profile: hickory or applewood hardwood for sweet, and mesquite for savory or spicy.

Five to seven hours later, the jerky is sufficiently dried and cured in the smokehouse; infused with flavor from the burning of wood. Smaller retailers and do-it-yourselfers often employ food dehydrators as a cheaper alternative to drying out their meat, rather than the more expensive smokehouses.

These processes result in an overall weight reduction of 75%; mostly being attributed to water-weight loss as well as the burning off of fat.

One of the most appealing aspects of beef jerky is the fact that it lasts a very long time outside of the refrigerator. That is mainly due to the drying process, as well as the addition of salt – which often added to prevent bacteria from spoiling the meat. Pre-packaged industrial jerky’s bolster a shelf-life of 14-months, depending on the packaging method.

Sources of Jerky Meats

Beef

Beef jerky is the granddaddy of jerky’s and the reason why you are here in the first place. Comparable jerky’s include bison and venison jerkies (depending on how it was prepared).Arguably the tastiest jerky of all, this staple snack isn’t going anywhere soon. With a massive assortment of local and commercial brands available, the flavors and selections are truly endless.

Turkey

For those who are trying to stay away from red meat, turkey jerky is a great choice. While many believe that turkey is easier for the body to digest than beef – it really varies by individual. Some may have an easier time breaking down turkey, but other’s report the same with beef. For most of us, it’s a matter of personal preference, but if you’re a huge fan of jerky’s in general, there’s nothing wrong with keeping a variety of meats in the pantry just to mix things up for the taste buds.

Venison

Venison jerky comes from deer meat. While it may have a more “gamey” taste, in a lot of ways is very similar to beef in that there are similar cuts such as sirloin, roast and rib. It is very common for those who hunt deer to make their own venison jerky. Hunters typically work with local butchers to assist with the meat preparation and processing. Venison is often ground and made into venison sticks, which are fantastic.

Bison

Bison meat comes from the mighty buffalo. Typically lower in fat, bison has less of a “gamey” taste than venison. It may be hard to tell the difference between bison and lean beef. Bison has a slightly sweeter, lighter taste compared to beef. It is also more tender often giving it more of a juicy taste, whereas beef has more marbling giving it a deeper, more distinct flavor.

Other

Many other animals have seen an introduction into the jerky market. Animals such as salmon, lamb, and pork can be seen in some local stores. Very rare species are surfacing as well, such as ostrich, alligator, crocodile, tuna, kangaroo, goat, and camel.

Styles and Textures

Jerky can be processed in a number of different formats. The most common being long strips, of course, but shredded or “chew” jerky as well as bites are popular as well.

Beef Jerky Nutrition – Is Beef Jerky Healthy?

Beef jerky is only as healthy as it’s ingredients. This includes not only the health of the animal, but how it was raised and what it was fed. Jerky is a very lean meat since the fat has been trimmed away during processing, making it a great low-fat snack.

People who are very concerned with the processing of their jerky should look for options that are nitrate-free, msg-free, antibiotic-free, and/or sugar-free. For those looking to buy grass-fed jerky, there are a large variety of options there too.

It’s a good idea to develop a relationship with or local farmer and find a brand of jerky that you can trust. This can help put your mind at ease because you will know where your food is coming from, having researched the sourcing of your jerky. You can look forward to a worry-free decision for future purchases – you did all the leg work up front.

Nutrition Facts

Hormones, antibiotics, MSG, soy, added flavors, preservatives, colorings, refined sugars, and nitrates are all common artificial ingredients that can be toxic to your body and health. If you are concerned about these things hiding in your beef jerky, pay close attention to the ingredients when you purchase your jerky’s online.

Nitrate-Free Jerky

Nitrates are compounds that are relatively safe, as they naturally occur in some fruits, vegetables, and grains. Common foods containing high amounts of nitrates include spinach, beets, and carrots. Nitrates are added to processed meats such as bacon, sausage, and sandwich meats like salami in order to provide more color and to prolong shelf life.

The danger lies when nitrates are turned into nitrites by mouth bacteria or digestive enzymes. If nitrites turn into nitrosamines after consumption – which are used in the manufacturing of pesticides, cosmetics, and tobacco products – then you at a higher risk of developing pancreatic cancer, Alzheimer’s, and diabetes. Nitrosamines can also be quite harmful to newborns and infants. Nitrosamines can also be picked up from the air, develop when nitrites mix with stomach acids, and form when cooking using high frying temperatures.

Many jerky’s offer nitrate-free products, and if you are concerned about the risks of consuming jerky containing this compound, I would highly recommend looking for a jerky that is free of nitrates and/or nitrites. If the product description doesn’t say it’s nitrate-free, the it probably isn’t. Watch out for ingredients such as “sodium nitrite” and “sodium nitrate” on packaging labels.

Sugar-Free Jerky

For those attempting to avoid sugar in their diet or following the Whole30 challenge, looking for sugar-free options may prove difficult. Most jerky’s out there contain some amount of sugar, cane-sugar, or brown-sugar to give it a little extra flavor and taste. It’s so common that there are few brands which offer sugar-free varieties.

Low-Sodium Jerky

While “official” recommendations related to daily sodium intake don’t exist, conventional wisdom says daily sodium intakes should not exceed 2,250 mg per day. I think we can all agree that if we use these recommendations and one ounce of jerky contains 450 mg – or 20 percent – then it’s too high. A more modern take on the salt issue, Chris Kresser feels the data supports slightly higher intakes of 3,000 to 7,000 milligrams of salt daily. Regardless of which number you’re comfortable with, it’s be a good idea to read the labels and watch out for brands that do pack too much sodium per serving.

Low-sodium jerky’s have 140 mg or less per serving, according to the FDA. Mingua beef jerky is one jerky that is notorious for being high in sodium, and best avoided if you are watching your intake. It contains a whopping 840 mg per serving! Jack’s Links Matador jerky is also quite high, at 530 mg per serving.

Gluten-Free Jerky

Everyone’s talking about gluten, but did you know that some manufacturers put wheat in your jerky to drive costs down, and give you a lower-protein, lower-quality end-product? For folks sensitive to gluten, or those who want a true natural jerky, pay attention to any mention of wheat in the ingredients list.

Why Buy Beef Jerky Online

There are many great reasons to buy jerky online rather than at a brick and mortar store. Generally, skipping the store saves time, money, and might even be better for your health.

1. Save Time

More people are shopping online to save on time and gas. Cut down on the number of trips to the store can also save wear and tear on your vehicle. For many products, you can start a subscription, or ‘re-buy’ the same things over by looking up your past orders.

2. Save money

If you buy online, you can spend less by buying in bulk, pay less shipping, and you simply buy less things because you are making less extraneous purchases.

3. Make healthier lifestyle choices

If you buy online, you are making a calculated decision to buy something instead of an impulse buy. Cutting down on these ‘knee-jerk’ reactions not only is better for the body, but it can be better for the wallet.

4. Prepare for a trip

Beef jerky is a fantastic thing to bring on a plane, road-trip, or even a short day trip on the bike, roller blades, or for long-distance runs. Planning ahead like this can make a huge difference to you health: it eliminates the possibility of giving in to fast food at the airport, gas stations, and – worst of all – airplane food.

Kapow Fit Pak

Jerky Information: “Our beef jerky is gluten free, sugar free, low sodium and made with taste and quality in mind. One of the main ingredients used in our marinade contains 14 times more amino acids than others. Because there are no preservatives, to assure the freshness of your KAPOW jerky, it isn’t made until it’s ordered.”Ingredients [Plain]: Beef, Garlic Amino Acids, Black Pepper, Sea Salt, Smoked Paprika, Onion.Flavors: Plain, Black Pepper, Cinnamon/Chili Pepper, JalapenoWhere to Buy: [Kapow] $1.81/ounce. Free Shipping. No Tax.

Tillamook

Company Information: “Honest to Goodness. For More Than 40 Years, Our Family Has Been Making Mouth-Watering Smokehouse Jerky – The Kind You Can Only Get From Hard Work, Quality Meat and Real Hardwood Smoke.” 100% Beef. No Nitrites.Ingredients: [Old Fashioned] Beef, Brown Sugar, Water, Sea Salt, Natural Flavorings, Vinegar.Flavors: Old Fashioned, Honey Glazed, TeriyakiWhere to Buy: [Amazon].

If you want to buy beef jerky online but some of the prices are scaring you away, making your own jerky is another great option. Or check out some of the cheap options below.

Best Practices For Buying Beef Jerky Online

So you’re about to pull the trigger to buy some jerky, here are some tips to keep in mind before you pull the trigger. Your mind, body and wallet will all thank you for adhering to these suggestions.

Do your research. Check out some of the brands listed here, read some reviews, and do a trial purchase (or even try a variety pack if available). If you do your due diligence up front, you’ll set yourself up for better success during your first purchase and (hopefully) less disappointment and more clarity for your next purchase.

Buy in bulk. I stated this before, but once you find a brand you like, it’s a good idea to buy in bulk to save money on shipping. Some retailers also offer discounts for larger purchases. Make note of this and factor it into your decision if saving money is something that interests you.

Look for subscription discounts. Some websites offer club memberships, or subcription options. Jerky.com and Amazon.com follow these models. With Amazon in particular, if you have 5 or more subscribe and save items delivered you can get 15% off the entire purchase. This can really save you some serious money.

Take advantage of coupons. Often subscibing to email newsletters can yield coupons on first purchases and you can get notified of special deals. This can be a great idea to do for a particualr jerky that you really enjoy.

Special Selections

Biltong

Biltong is similar to regular beef jerky, it’s just thicker and has a chewier texture to it and is often less sweet. Originating from African countries, the word Biltong is Dutch for “rump” and “strip” or “tongue.” In fact, the Dutch introduced many of the popular spices in Biltong including pepper, coriander, and cloves.

Meat Bars

Last Minute Gift Ideas

A bag of beef jerky can make the perfect last-minute (or planned) gift for men (and women, for that matter). It is especially great if you are throwing together a gift basket for a friend or loved-one that likes a good snack.

Over To You

Do you have any other jerky’s that can be purchased online that you think should be included? Please let me know if there are any sections that you’d like me to consider expanding on as well.

If you have thoughts or suggestions surrounding ideas for future articles, go ahead and put them in the comments too.

Thanks for making it this far. Also, if you just liked the article, let me know by giving me a shout!